Recommended 30 amp Plug in Soft Start for a Generator

Updated 07/09/2026 | Published 07/08/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs - Surge Protection - 30 Amp

(6)

$625.00

ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for Vans and Overlanding - Straight Plug - Surge Protection - 20 Amp

(8)

$365.00

Question:

I have cargo trailor conversion with a 1500 btu ceiling mounted a/c unit. Fridge and coffee pot. Im running a iq 3800 generac inverter generator. I must use a 20 amp outlet at a minimum. Is there a soft touch plug in I can use to controller the surge on my generator

asked by: Rodney M

Expert Reply:

There sure is Rodney and welcome back. I recommend the Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs item # AS94FR. This soft start is rated for 30 amps and is designed to work with generators. It manages the overall shore power input, provides surge protection, and includes its own soft-starting technology.

The Plug-In Soft Start for RVs item # AS94FR reduces your RV air conditioner's startup current by up to 50% to 70%. This means you're going to saving around 25 to 40 amps during initial startup. It'll drop the start up amps to around 15 to 16 amps.

To plug it into the 120V, 30A Receptacle on your iq 3800 Generac inverter generator you'll need to go to your local hardware store and purchase a NEMA L5-30P to TT-30R adapter. This will give you the full 30 amp power capabilities of your generator so you don't have to go with your minimum 20 amp option, which would require you to use the ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for Vans and Overlanding item # AS97FR.

What specific model 15,000 btu AC system do you have?

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